The Orang Asli of Malaysia : Backwards and left behind

Orang Asli senator, YB Dato Isa Abdul Hamid talking to a group of Orang Asli athletes today

The Orang Aslis are largely backwards and compared to the other ethnic groups in Malaysia such as Malays, Chinese and Indians, they are left behind in all sectors, whether it be in economics, education or social participation The government has for years set up the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) but the body has largely been unsuccessful to achieve its ultimate aim, which is to lift and elevate the current state of the Orang Asli people.

The Orang Aslis themselves prefer to live in the jungle and kampongs, and compared to the Malay people, the Orang Aslis are more laid back in character. I really hope the Orang Asli will catch up to the current development of the country and contribute more. More Orang Asli should participate in the workforce, to become doctors, engineers, educationists and so on.

As long as they remain where they are, they will never catch up with society and will always be left behind.


Ramli Mohd Noor, the Orang Asli YB of Cameron Highland


Orang Asli Temuan tribe